Despite progress in education, girls and women need help pursuing STEM careers (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Women comprise only 35% of STEM graduates and 24% of leadership roles in technology globally. In the US, women comprise 27% of the tech workforce and hold 17% of CEO positions. Africa’s picture is equally concerning, with women pursuing STEM careers at a 28% rate.
The persistent gender gap in STEM education and careers demands attention. Societal and cultural barriers limit girls’ and women’s opportunities in STEM, perpetuating biases and stereotypes from childhood. Education systems often reinforce these biases, resulting in fewer women entering STEM fields. This has far-reaching consequences, hindering diversity, innovation, and economic growth.
The tide is turning. In 2029, the US will have 3.6 million available computing jobs, but only 24% of these positions will be filled by college graduates. Encouraging more women to pursue tech roles can help address this shortage. Investing in women in STEM fields has significant benefits, such as narrowing the gender pay gap and fostering innovation.
Angela Mirembe Semwogerere’s Mission: Empowering women through Coding in Heels
Angela Mirembe Semwogerere’s Coding in Heels initiative is at the forefront of bridging this gap. Angela, a seasoned IT professional and advocate for digitisation, youth, and innovation, founded Coding in Heels to empower girls and women in STEM. With ten years of experience in the IT and telecommunications industries, Angela inspires others through her journey. Born in Kenya and educated in Uganda, Lesotho, South Africa, and the UK, Angela’s diverse background fuels her passion for empowering women in STEM.
Coding in Heels offers a platform for girls and women to build STEM skills, overcome self-doubt, and pursue careers in technology. Angela’s mission is to empower women to shape the future. Through Coding in Heels, she has established a supportive community that motivates girls and women to embrace technology. By sharing her experiences and expertise, Angela inspires others to pursue STEM careers, bridging the gap between opportunity and access.
Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities in STEM
Angela’s initiative, Coding in Heels, has transformed individual lives and contributed to a more significant movement for digital equality. Her efforts have instilled confidence in countless girls and women, helping them break down barriers and challenge gender stereotypes in STEM. The impact of her work is far-reaching, as she empowers women to shape the future of technology and innovation.
In addition to leading Coding in Heels, Angela plays a vital role in Uganda’s National Taskforce on Emerging Technologies and is an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Her dedication to empowering girls and women in STEM has ignited a movement, inspiring others to pursue digital equality.
Coding in Heels encounters challenges in fulfilling its mission, including societal and cultural barriers. To conquer these obstacles, Angela focuses on delivering inspirational talks, providing practical training, and establishing mentorship programs. These challenges highlight the necessity for increased societal support. Looking forward, Coding in Heels intends to broaden its impact by collaborating with educational institutions, organizations, and governments to develop inclusive STEM programs. Angela envisions a future where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive in STEM fields, propelling innovation and economic growth.
Angela Mirembe Semwogerere envisions Coding in Heels as a path to a more inclusive STEM industry. Supporting initiatives like this enables advocacy for STEM inclusion and equality, empowering girls and women to drive innovation and economic growth. This collective effort can create a future where women and girls have equal opportunities to excel in STEM.
